The Higgins–Lehrmann case exposed deep tensions between law, politics and media in Australia. This course revisits the events and fallout, examining how legal processes, public commentary and institutional responses intersected. We explore why the case became so complex and contested, and what it reveals about justice, power and accountability in contemporary Australia. Suitable for thoughtful, critical discussion of a recent national controversy.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• The contested facts
• The "pitch' to the media by Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz
• The police investigation and criminal charges against Bruce Lerhmann
• The criminal trial
• Lehrmann's defamation case against Channel 10 and Lisa Wilkinson
• Costs orders
• Lehrmann's appeal
• Senator Linda Reynolds' defamation case against Higgins and Sharaz
• The investigation into the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions
• The legal principles involved

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Better understand the legal and social issues in this case that has captivated the country since 2019